The Department of Global Health Systems and Development is dedicated to improving the health of populations worldwide through strengthening health systems, building stronger communities, and facilitating healthy behaviors in an increasingly globalized world. The faculty introduces and engages students to health systems and development in a global context with an emphasis on improving the factors that drive health outcomes, including social determinants and disparities. The academic program provides a comprehensive view of varying geographical and economic contexts, while advancing knowledge and improving managerial practice.

Students with a variety of professional interests will find a home in our department as the curriculum and applied learning opportunities emphasize both domestic and global frameworks.  Our degree programs draw upon the multi-disciplinary expertise of our faculty, their extensive contacts in the research and practice communities, and their demonstrated commitment to student learning. The faculty exemplifies GHSD's global perspective, with a majority working in both domestic and international contexts.

The Department of Global Health Systems and Development offers the following degrees:

News and Announcements

Study Abroad in Havana, Cuba  |  Summer 2013

SPHTM is offering a graduate summer study abroad program in Havana, Cuba.  This two-week course addresses how the Cuban government has prioritized the development of universal health care, with a special emphasis on the efforts to strengthen primary health care and to articulate it with more complex levels of care. Click here for more information.

Congratulations to Dr. Mark VanLandingham

Mark VanLandingham, PhD is recipient of the 2013 Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, presented by the Student Government Association.  The award was presented at the end-of-year awards ceremony, where Dr. VanLandingham was thanked for his tireless and exemplary work on behalf of the school, department, and students.

Read Dr. Castro's latest publications

Health insurance for the poor decreases access to HIV testing in antenatal care: evidence of an unintended effect of health insurance reform in Colombia in Health Policy and Planning.

Measuring Coverage in MNCH: Validating Women's Self-Report of Emergency Cesarean Sections in Ghana and the Dominican Republic in PLOS ONE.

Dr. Diana appointed W.C. Tsai and P.T. Kung Professor in Health Systems Management

Congratulations to Mark Diana, PhD on his appointment to the Tsai-Kung Professorship.  TUSPHTM Dean Pierre Buekens announced the appointment, stating, "Mark has been with the school for six years and in that time he has conducted several funded projects analyzing the impact of health information technology on health outcomes and health system functioning. With the creation of the Department of Global Health Systems and Development, Mark has expanded this research beyond the U.S. into Mexico, demonstrating his commitment to the globalization of the school, making him an ideal fit for a professorship funded by international donors.
 
He has published extensively on the adoption of health informatics and its impact on patient care and the organization of medical practice. He is also a well-respected teacher, with a course load ranging from health informatics to organizational behavior and theory to the principles of management.  In light of his efforts in both research and teaching, Mark was recently granted tenure with a promotion to associate professor. He is excited about exploring new ways to work with colleagues in Asia."

Andrinopoulos, Hembling lead study in San Salvador

 MSM and transgender women face unique challenges and health problems due to their sexual identity and orientation, and related stigma. USAID's Central American Regional HIV/AIDS Program asked MEASURE Evaluation to study health service utilization and HIV testing among these groups in San Salvador, El Salvador. Pictured here with their team are Dr. Katherine Andrinopoulos (2nd from the left, standing), who was the lead investigator and John Hembling  (2nd from the right, standing), who was the activity lead and technical advisor. They found that to increase health service use, providers need to address social factors influencing disclosure of sexual orientation, provider aptitude in caring for MSM/TW clients, and internalized feelings of shame related to sexual orientation. The results were shared with stakeholders in El Salvador in September 2012.  

Contact Information

1440 Canal Street, Suite 1900
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-988-5428
ghsd@tulane.edu